4 non-cosmetic reasons to get Botox

Did you know that Botox can be used to reduce sweating of the hands, feet and underarms? While a non-invasive injectable like Botox is mostly known for its ability to reduce wrinkles and smooth creases, this procedure has been approved for a number of medical conditions as well. Though the uses may surprise you, Botox has been able to provide relief for a number of people living with these four conditions:

1. Severe primary axillary hyperhidrosisAccording to a report from TIME magazine, Botox was approved to treat overly active underarm sweat glands in 2004. In traditional treatments, doctors had begun to realize that individuals experienced reduced sweating after the procedure. It was then found to be an effective therapy for the disorder known as primary axillary hyperhidrosis. Today, it is even used to reduce severe sweating in the palms and feet.

2. Chronic migrainesMigraines are common among both adults and children however, the FDA has not approved all that many medications for the younger age group, according to Science Daily. At present, Botox has only been approved for treating chronic migraines among adults. Of the few prescriptions that are approved for children, many include a number of side effects. Thanks to its success in reducing the implications of these headaches however, researchers believe Botox can also help younger people living with migraines. Scientists conducted a study with individuals between the ages of 8 and 17.

"After treatment, we saw improvement in functional aspects in all of the children and teens," wrote lead author Dr. Shalini Shah, chief of the Division of Pain Medicine at the University of California. "In fact, one patient was hospitalized monthly for her migraine pain prior to BOTOX® treatment and was expected to be held back in school. After treatment, she only has one or two migraines a year, and is excelling in college."

As 1 in 10 children experience regular migraines, approving Botox for this population could be very beneficial.

Botox is FDA-approved for treating chronic migraines.

3. Overactive bladderAs Dr. Linda Brubaker, dean and chief diversity officer of the Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, told TIME magazine, Botox is one of the most effective treatments for an overactive bladder that she has seen throughout her three decades of experience. Studies have concluded the procedure's ability to reduce the number of leaks experienced during the day.

4. Neck spasm and painIn the years since botulinum toxin first came on the market, doctors have continued to find new ways of using Botox to help people. As Harvard Women's Health Watch explained, a key discovery was how the injection of Botox in muscle tissue had the power to reduce and even stop pain and spasms occurring in thousands of individuals. This discomfort in the neck specifically, known as cervical dystonia, has been successfully treated with botulinum toxin.

Today, the list of medical conditions that can benefit from Botox is only continuing to expand.